Wondering who we are?
The Team
We are a team of tax preparers, bookkeepers, and a Chartered Professional Accountant specializing in small business taxes and dedicated to helping our client's thrive.
We're friendly, helpful, and effective.
Jillian Battaglio, CPA, CA, Chief Accounting Officer
Hi! I'm Jillian, a Kelowna Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with over 13+ years of experience working exclusively with small businesses helping them thrive through accounting, tax, and mentorship solutions.
After working at several different accounting firms I opened up Creekside Accounting in 2016. My team and I strive to help our clients become heroes to their families and friends. To flourish as a business owner. Why? Because small business owners are a HUGE foundation for our entire local economy. They create jobs in our community, fuel innovation in our society, keep tax dollars local, and bring us all great products and services.
Small business owners also have a very steep uphill battle. Eighty percent fail within the first five years. We want to eradicate small business failure.
As a business owner myself, I know the daily challenges that come from owning your own business. Like you, I know that failure is terrifying. It is a deep pit in the bottom of your stomach and comes with sleepless nights and constant worry. This might be normal, but this doesn’t have to happen to you. Not anymore.
Initially, I struggled as a business owner - not having the skills needed to run a business. Eventually, I turned to books, lectures, and other developmental resources – finding the wealth of knowledge and experience I had been missing. As a result, my business, and my client's businesses, are now flourishing. My team and I want to bring the same outcome to you. We want to use what we've learned to help you succeed. We want to be more than your accountant. We want to be your strategic partner.
No one should have to feel alone or overwhelmed in their entrepreneurial journey. We want you to succeed, make money, and have less stress.
We are constantly seeking to improve your life and make running your business easier.
Reach out today and let’s see how we can grow together.
Jashandeep Singh, Senior Corporate Tax Preparer
Jashandeep, originally from Punjab, India, embarked on his journey to Canada as an international student with a fervent passion for numbers and a keen eye for detail.
Jashandeep's academic pursuits led him to excel in his studies, culminating in the completion of a Business Administration Diploma with a specialization in Accounting, earning him the prestigious Dean's List Award three times over.
Armed with his academic achievements, Jashandeep ventured into the world of accounting, where he quickly established himself as a proficient professional with a knack for navigating the complexities of financial matters. With over two years of experience in public practice, Jashandeep has honed his skills in preparing corporate taxes for businesses ranging from medium to small sizes. His expertise extends to personal tax preparation, coupled with strategic tax planning to optimize financial outcomes for his clients.
Beyond the confines of his professional endeavors, Jashandeep finds solace and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. He is an avid enthusiast of hiking and cycling, often seeking refuge amidst nature's splendor to recharge and find inspiration.
Corah-Lee, Corporate Tax Preparer
With a rich background in management and administration spanning over a decade, Corah-Lee brings a wealth of leadership experience to her work and to the Creekside Team. Corah-Lee's managerial acumen, coupled with a strong commitment to providing an exceptional client experience ensures that each client receives personalized attention and tailored financial solutions to meet their unique needs.
Corah-Lee carries an honours business degree specializing in accounting and business research. Corah-Lee's education is a solid academic foundation that underpins her practical skills. Her dedication to excellence was recognized with an esteemed presentation award for outstanding business research. This showcases not only her academic prowess but also her ability to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions.
Beyond the realm of finance, Corah-Lee carries a delightful past as a professional ice cream maker, adding a touch of creativity and whimsy to her diverse skill set. Her experience speaks to her versatility and ability to excel in various domains, bringing a fresh perspective to every endeavor.
Whether meticulously preparing tax returns, maintaining immaculate financial records, or crafting delectable frozen treats, Corah-Lee approaches each task with precision, passion, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
Renee Altman, Senior Tax Preparer & Bookkeeper
Renee was raised in a small town in the Kootenays and moved to the ‘big city’ of Kelowna after high school where opportunities awaited. She completed her degree in Human Kinetics at UBCO and then specialized in holistic nutrition at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.
After several years of experience in the administrative role and running her own nutrition consulting business, Renee decided to challenge herself in a new profession. When she completed her administrative assistant certificate (with distinction) at Okanagan College, she joined the Creekside Accounting team in 2019 as administrative support.
Renee has since moved from the administrative role to senior bookkeeper and personal tax preparer at Creekside Accounting. On her time off she loves baking, outdoor activities including hiking, exploring in the side-by-side, dirt biking, and other adventurous sports.
Melissa Francisco, Senior Tax Preparer & Bookkeeper
Melissa was born and raised in the Philippines where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Computer Engineering.
Before moving to Kelowna, she spent almost 12 years working in the banking industry. She built her career from the ground up starting in a teller position and being promoted to a service manager role. Working in banking opened the door for her to expand her learning and she became curious about accounting. In 2019 she enrolled in a Business Administration Diploma majoring in accounting at Okanagan College. She loved the subject and her marks reflected this. She was consistently recognized as a top student for the two years of her diploma program.
Upon graduation Melissa began her Bookkeeping and Accounting Career at Creekside Accounting. During her free time Melissa enjoys time with friends and family, eating awesome Asian cuisine, watching Netflix, and spending time outdoors biking and hiking.
If there's something Melissa has learned in life it's to have the courage to reach high and accept additional responsibility. Everything that is worth it in life takes effort and hard work and Melissa isn't afraid to step up to the plate.
Dean Carlson, Tax Preparer & Bookkeeper
Dean is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in owning and operating several diverse businesses, including restaurants, hospitality, consulting, machining, construction, and automotive repair. Throughout his career, he has excelled at increasing sales—often by over 200%— by reforming the businesses, focusing on strong fiscal management, effective leadership, and building confident, capable teams. Dean has always been hands-on with every aspect of business operations, including accounting, HR, administration, and marketing.
In 2019, after selling his last business, Dean pursued further education, earning a diploma from Okanagan College with a focus on accounting and small business management. He is currently working towards a BBA degree specializing in accounting and project management. Dean’s passion for small businesses and helping others achieve success continues to drive him. On the weekends, Dean enjoys DJing at various weddings and events throughout the Okanagan.
A proud father of five and grandfather to four, Dean firmly believes in the power of building people to build a successful business. His favorite quote, "Your fully exploited strengths are of far greater value than your marginally improved weaknesses," reflects his commitment to fostering personal and professional growth—allowing individuals to focus on what they do best while building a strong, thriving business.
Carol Parenteau, Office Manager & Bookkeeper
And last but not least (as she keeps everything running here at Creekside) is Carol!
Carol was born and raised in a small town in Saskatchewan where she graduated Saskatoon Business College with an Admin Assistant Certificate.
Before moving to Kelowna, in 2018, she spent many years working in the private sector, banking industry, provincial government and the legal industry.
In 2023, Carol decided to go back to school. She attended Okanagan College, where she completed the Bookkeeping/Accounting Technician program in June of 2024. Carol completed her practicum with Creekside Accounting and in September of 2024, she became a full-time team member, as our Office Manager/Bookkeeper.
In her spare time, she enjoys time with friends and family, reading, watching movies, going for walks and just hanging out at home.
Carol is the proud mom/grandma of two daughters and three grandchildren.
Carol has learnt that it’s never too late to go back to school to further your education.
Zoe, Official Office Greeter
Despite often being found sleeping on the job, Zoe is an enthusiastic greeter. She LOOOVES her work.
When the door bell gives a ding, Zoe is off her bed (located under Jillian's desk) and runs happily to the door to greet whomever has arrived. Zoe loves to be petted, and will be sure to demand your full attention before anything further can be contemplated.
After an excited hello, Zoe often calms right down and heads back to her bed. From time to time she does get extra excited around small children (whom she desperately wants to play with) and may bark.
As fair warning.... Zoe does have a major foot fetish (yes its weird) and will lick your toes should you have open-toed shoes. We apologize in advance.
How About You???
We are always on the lookout for exceptional team members in our administration, bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, or managerial roles.
If you are someone who is industrious, growth and detail oriented, warm, friendly, and fun you may be a great fit.
Our ideal team member will be proactive and self-motivated in their working style, have an exceptional work ethic and integrity, and care deeply about customer service as well as kindness towards others.
We make significant investments in our people, which is why we take great care to hire those who we believe will thrive over the long term. We are building a unique corporate culture that sets us apart and provides:
- A fun and welcoming workplace
- A fast-paced and engaging work environment
- Ongoing personal development and career learning
- Opportunities for career advancement
If you are interested in a position please prepare an application package that includes a cover letter, resume, and transcript if you are new grad. Applications can be submitted through email (below).
As Seen On & Certified By:
April 30th Policy Notice!
Tax Returns Submitted to Creekside After April 15th Aren’t Guaranteed To Be Filed By April 30th AND Are Subject To A Late Drop Off Fee